Anthony Joshua Hopes Matt Skelton Provides a Test

Anthony Joshua says it is important not to look too far ahead of himself as he prepares for the seventh contest of his professional career against veteran Matt Skelton.

Joshua returns to the ring to take on 47-year-old Skelton in Liverpool on July 12 following his 83-second demolition of American Matt Legg on the undercard of Froch-Groves II last Saturday.

The former Finchley Amateur Boxing Club fighter admits he would love to challenge for the British title next year but is focusing on his upcoming fight against Bedford's Skelton for the time being.

"I'm ready to take risks but one step at a time though as this is a career," Joshua told Sky Sports News.

"I'm not trying to run a 100m sprint. I'm on a marathon now so next year will be interesting to see where we go but I've really got to focus on July 12 against Matt Skelton who should give me some problems.

"He's someone tall, rangy and a veteran of the sport and as they say he should come and give me some problems. I haven't gone past two rounds yet but it's early days and this is what I should be doing.

"If I can compete with Matt Skelton and he gives me more problems than anyone has put on me at the minute then I will be more than happy to take the fight.

"Six fights now and seven on July 12. Hopefully I will get another victory against the veteran Matt Skelton and then I think early next year it will be interesting to see where my management take me heading towards that British title, but what an honour it would be to fight for the British title."

Despite the quick-fire knockout over Legg at the weekend, Joshua feels his bought against the American was another important part of his education as a professional boxer.

"It was a short victory but the experience I can gain from that has put me in good stead for next up and coming fights," the 24-year-old said.

"I can only beat what is put in front of me right now. It is showing that I can compete at a higher level but the great thing I got from that was that I was caught with a small left hook and I'm going to go back to the drawing board.

"I shouldn't have stayed there too long but I just wanted him out of there and put in a great display for the supporters.

"As heavyweights no matter how technically gifted you are we all have heavy hands, we all punch very hard and I happened to catch Matt Legg with a peach of a punch.

"But he was game though, he was ready he was trying to knock me out so it was going to happen it was just to who first."

[QUOTE=Scott.Weiland;14628954]Price in an eliminator for what the British title ? I thought you meant world title for a moment there.Price isn't ever gonna be world level,he doesn't deserve to be anywhere near a world title eliminator,and Joshua is at least…

[QUOTE=kafkod;14628939]It won't be Price unless it's for a title or an eliminator. Too risky for both of them otherwise.[/QUOTE]
Price in an eliminator for what the British title ? I thought you meant world title for a moment there.Price isn't…